12:30 PM:
Head coach Dan Bylsma just said that defenseman Simon Despres will be returned to his junior team, Saint John of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

"He's a great player and we think he can play in the National Hockey League right now," Bylsma said. "For our team and opening night roster, he's not going to be there. We have to decide what's best for his development. ... He's going to return to his junior team."

Despres' assignment leaves the Penguins with 26 players on their roster. Since three will be placed on injured lists, Pittsburgh has parred down to the NHL mandated 23.

This doesn't surprise me too much. The kid play great, but with all the D we just signed, he probably would not have seen too much time. He needs to be on the ice, and that's what he'll get in juniors. (top pair) A year of seasoning will do him well.

Also, glad to see Tangradi holding on to a spot. His presence in the front of the net is something we desperately needed.

__________________"Before you can win a game, you have to not lose it." -- Chuck Noll